NFL Experience will open in Tampa today

January 24, 2009|By Chris Hays, Sentinel Staff Writer

Today, when Hall of Famer Michael Haynes carries the Vince Lombardi Trophy onto the grounds of the NFL Experience at Raymond James Stadium, it will unofficially mark the beginning of Super Bowl XLIII week.

The NFL Experience, a miniature city of football overload, opens today in Tampa at 10 a.m.

The Lombardi Trophy, which will be awarded to either the Pittsburgh Steelers or the Arizona Cardinals after Super Bowl XLIII next Sunday, will be placed on exhibit in a glass-encased shrine for the week.

This is the 18th year of the NFL Experience, and it's bigger than ever. With more than 50 stations of NFL simulation, adults and kids can get a feel for what it's like to experience the big time.

NFL Experience spokeswoman Christine Mills said long lines should not be a problem despite the thousands of people expected during the week at one of the few events open to the public.

"We've added a lot of extra games and done a thorough job of studying what we've done in the past and learned from that," Mills said. "People pay big money to come [to the Super Bowl] and we want them to have a good experience."

The interactive festival includes areas for passing, running and kicking. There are also exhibits like the popular Super Bowl rings display and the Wilson football demonstration, and kids can also participate in clinics and autograph sessions throughout the week.

Tickets to the event are $12.50 for children and $18.50 for adults. The venue is open from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. today and 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Sunday. For a complete schedule, visit our NFL blog at Orlando Sentinel.com/nflinfla.